A. G. Comings became involved in a number of local affairs
during his life in Oberlin. In 1889, following the organization of the Oberlin
Council, Royal Arcanum, Comings became the first president of the organization.
Later in the year, Comings again found a leadership role as the secretary in
Oberlin's new Credit Association. Comings also dedicated himself to such improvement
organizations as the Anti-Saloon
League. By 1892, Comings' influence gained him the important role of mayor
of Oberlin on the Republican ticket. During Comings' years as mayor, Oberlin
saw the first use of electric street lights in 1893. Following his service as
mayor, Comings served as a fire warden for the Oberlin fire department. His
political aspirations, however, became greater than hist years as mayor could
suffice. In 1899, Comings announced his candidacy for representative in the
Ohio General Assembly. Following his nomination, he was elected later in the
year. Comings continued to be an important member of Oberlin throughout the
first few decades of the twentieth century.

Source: Wilbur H. Phillips, Oberlin Colony: The Story of
a Century (Oberlin, 1933).